Are you a video editor or a gamer? Whether you are a professional or an amateur, everyone likes a smooth, sharp electronic device. It is tough to work on your laptop if it continuously lags and takes eons to load your desired images and documents. This is where a laptop graphics card comes.
The GPU or graphics card displays your graphics and visuals on the screen. The better your GPU, the faster display your laptop has. Good graphic cards sell out soon; therefore, you need to be fast in making a decision. Visit here to know more. No matter how expensive your laptop is, you will not get the desired results if you do not invest in a laptop graphics card.
Several factors account for the best laptop graphics card. We have explained each actor in detail in our buying guide.
Buying Guide for Best Laptop Graphic Cards
1- Memory
You should ideally get a graphic card that has 6 GB of memory. The amount of memory you need is directly proportional to the resolution of your laptop. If your laptop has a Full HD resolution of 1080p, a 6 GB memory would suffice. But if your resolution is 4K, then you will need an 8 GB or higher memory. A high resolution with low memory and high memory with low resolution render your performance useless.
2- Connectivity
Since your graphic card will have to connect to your laptop, you should first check the connecting ports options supported by your laptop. Modern screens come with an HDMI as well as display ports. But if you have a laptop that is old, it might only have DVI. If your laptop does not support the graphic card’s connecting option, you will have to get an additional adapter for it. Hence, it is better to get both with the same ports.
3- Dimensions
Before getting a graphic card, see if your motherboard even has a space to accommodate it. The size, shape, and length of your graphic card matter a lot. They come in both single, double, and triple slots. If you have a laptop aimed at fast processing, you probably have ample space to add it. But if you have an old laptop, chances are your motherboard is small and therefore you should look for a mini graphics card.
These are the essential factors, and there are a lot of other things to consider too. But if you are not an expert, these would suffice.
6 Best Laptop Graphics Cards
1. Nvidia GTX 1660 Super
Nvidia GTX 1660 Super is the upgraded version of the former Nvidia GTX 1660. Since this is the updated version, it is better than that in both performance and specs. The price difference between the two is not much given the additional benefits you are getting.
If you are searching for a laptop graphic card for 1080p resolution, 1660 Super will suit you the best. It has a 6 GB memory, perfect for video editing and other work. The efficient design and smooth working are another plus point.
2. AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
Another great affordable option and works great with a 1080p resolution is AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT. This laptop graphic card lets you play games and edit professional videos efficiently. It has both an HDMI port and a display port, providing convenience and ease.
The cooling fans are designed to keep your system cool without any noise. The slots are also manufactured to support system cooling by providing increased surface area. Overall, this is a great budget option with good performance.
3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
If you have a laptop with a 4K resolution, and you are looking for a good enough graphics card, look no further. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 pairs up perfectly with higher resolution. You get all the high-end card features in this one at a relatively lesser price tag.
You will have trouble finding this one in the market because of its super-fast sales. But if you manage to get one, you will not regret it. The price is slightly higher than other graphic cards, but it is totally worth it for the 50% higher performance you get.
4. AMD Radeon RX 6800
With 16 GB memory, AMD Radeon RX 6800 is among the high-end graphic cards you can find. For the features it exhibits, the price point is nothing. You get AMD ray tracing, along with outstanding performance.
The smart access memory makes the performance even better. If your laptop supports a 4K resolution, this would be the ideal fit for you. You can use it for gaming, working, editing, or anything you want.
5. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is undoubtedly the best laptop graphics card with exceptional performance. It has better hardware than the older graphics card and is 30% faster. It has all the connectivity options you would want, including HDMI, DVI, and input ports.
It is easy to set up and makes your laptop work more efficiently. The original price is excellent given the features you get to have. You can use it for gaming, coding, and editing. It uses less energy and provides a better output that competes with other expensive models.
6. Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti
Even with the ray tracing feature included, Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti comes with an affordable price tag. It works best for 1440p resolution, ensuring a smooth and clean display.
It has HDMI and display ports for connectivity, providing you with options. The 6 GB memory is enough to run light games and videos without stuttering. There are not many devices out there giving you exceptional results as this one.
Conclusion
It will be fair to say that a laptop graphics card is among the most crucial things to consider. Your expensive, high-resolution laptop is of no use if you do not have a graphic card to pair it up with.